Agenda item

(A report by Christian Allen, Assistant Directory – Regulatory)

The Portfolio Holder for Green Spaces and Travel, Councillor Claire Rylott, presented a report by the Assistant Director – Regulatory, who was in attendance, which sought approval of the Tree and Hedgerow Strategy Action Plan for the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership. The report explained that the Action Plan had been developed to support delivery of the Tree and Hedgerow Strategy adopted in 2022 and provided a structured programme of activity to progress the Partnership’s ambitions to protect, enhance and expand tree and hedgerow cover across the sub?region.

Members were advised that the Action Plan set out a series of short, medium and long?term actions aligned to the three core objectives of the Strategy: Protect, Plant and Participate. The report emphasised that while tree planting was often highlighted as a response to climate change and biodiversity loss, effective delivery required a more considered approach focused on long?term management, maintenance and appropriate siting, applying the principle of the “right tree in the right place”.

The report summarised the evidence base underpinning the Action Plan, including baseline canopy mapping which showed that South and East Lincolnshire had lower levels of tree and hedgerow cover than national averages, reflecting its predominantly fenland and agricultural landscape. Members were advised that woodland opportunity mapping demonstrated significant variation across the Partnership area, with greater opportunities in East Lindsey and more limited scope in Boston and South Holland, reinforcing the importance of a sub?regional approach.

It was further noted that the Action Plan had been informed by consultation with external partners and stakeholders, and had been considered and supported by Overview and Scrutiny. The Action Plan did not commit the Council to immediate additional expenditure, but would guide the prioritisation of internal resources and the pursuit of external funding opportunities.

The Action Plan was welcomed as a clear and evidence?led framework that translated the high?level Strategy into practical and deliverable actions. The importance of protecting existing trees and hedgerows, alongside any new planting, was noted, together with the need to recognise and respect local landscape character.

Members reflected on the role of trees and hedgerows in supporting climate resilience, particularly in areas such as Boston where localised flooding had been experienced. It was noted that trees played an important role within flood plains by helping to stabilise soil, improve water absorption and contribute to flood mitigation, alongside their wider environmental benefits.

Support was noted for the emphasis on biosecurity, appropriate species selection and consistent decision?making in relation to tree management on Council?owned land. The value of community engagement, including working with volunteers and local stakeholders, was welcomed, alongside the broader benefits for biodiversity, wellbeing and environmental stewardship.

The alignment of the Action Plan with the Partnership’s wider environmental objectives was noted, including net zero ambitions and the emerging Local Nature Recovery Strategy, and supported the proposal to review the Action Plan once that strategy had been finalised. The importance of monitoring progress and developing informed planting targets over time was also recognised.

The recommendation was moved by Councillor Claire Rylott and seconded by Councillor Chris Mountain.

Resolved:

That the Tree and Hedgerow Action Plan be adopted.